Phoenix Education Centre NI – October 2025 Newsletter
Dear Phoenix Community,
Welcome to our October 2025 newsletter! As the autumn leaves settle and the days grow cozier, we’re reflecting on a month of growth, connection, and important learning. Here’s a roundup of what we’ve been up to, what’s coming soon, and a spotlight on a very special training from our Step Up For Change group.
What’s New & Happening at Phoenix?
1. Essential Skills
Our Essential Skills Numeracy and Literacy programmes continue to flourish this term. Participants are working hard on building confidence in everyday maths and reading, from budgeting to practical communication. We’re thrilled to see such engagement, and our tutors are loving the energy in the classroom.
2. Book Exchange in Phoenix Community Hub
This month we officially opened our Book Exchange: bring a book, take a book. It’s free, easy, and all about sharing stories. Whether it’s novels, educational texts, or children’s books, we welcome donations, and we hope everyone finds something that sparks their curiosity.
3. Level 1 British Sign Language Course
Our brand new BSL course started in September and in October it’s already buzzing. Learners are building the foundations of British Sign Language, which is so important for creating stronger, more inclusive connections in our community.
4. Staff Training: Trauma-Informed Training
Our team recently participated in S.P.A.R.C (Supporting People And Rebuilding Communities) training, focusing on trauma-informed youth work. These sessions, held at Ledley Hall Youth Centre, are helping our staff better support young people in safe, compassionate ways.
Spotlight: Step Up For Change Consent Training with VR (Queen’s University)
One of the most exciting developments this month has been a special consent training session, delivered in partnership with Queen’s University Belfast, using VR headsets. Here’s a breakdown:
- Who: Young people in our Step Up For Change programme (aged 16–24).
- What: A consent workshop developed by researchers at Queen’s University, immersive, interactive, and deeply relevant. Participants put on VR headsets and engage in realistic scenarios to explore boundaries, respectful communication, and decision making.
- Why it matters: This training moves beyond traditional classroom learning. VR makes the scenarios feel real, giving young people a safe space to practice responding to challenging situations. By experiencing consent in a simulated environment, they build confidence, empathy, and better understanding of what mutual respect looks like.
- Impact: Feedback so far has been very positive. Participants say the VR element makes the learning feel “realer” and more engaging. Several of them have commented that they feel better equipped to navigate conversations about consent in their own lives.
We’re so proud to run such innovative training. It reflects our commitment not just to education, but to relationship-based learning and empowerment.
Step Up For Change: Fright Night at Jungle NI + Halloween Party Fun!
October has been a huge month for the Step Up For Change group, and not just for learning! We also made time for connection, teamwork, and a whole lot of spooky fun.
Trip to Jungle NI’s Fright Night:
Our young people braved the legendary Fright Night at Jungle NI, tackling haunted trails, creepy characters, and the kind of jump-scares they swear they saw coming (even though they definitely didn’t!).
The trip was a brilliant opportunity for the group to bond outside the centre, push themselves a little out of their comfort zones, and enjoy a night of laughter, adrenaline, and team spirit.
Phoenix mini Halloween party + Costume contest:
Back at the Centre, we hosted our very own mini Halloween party, complete with games, treats, music, and of course, the highly competitive costume contest.
Some highlights included:
Creative homemade costumes
Some very convincing spooky characters
A surprise win for “Most Original Costume”
And a group photo that we’re fairly sure will become legendary
The party gave our participants the chance to relax, celebrate their hard work this term, and enjoy a festive afternoon with friends old and new.
Community Corner
Phoenix Community Hub: Just a reminder, our site at 315 Woodstock Road is serving as a pre-loved school uniform hub, easing financial pressure on families and promoting reuse.
Open College Network (OCN) Courses: We continue to offer a range of OCN-accredited courses, including employability skills, mental health awareness, diversity & good relations, and more.
Coming Up in November & Beyond
Step Up For Change Workshops: More tailored workshops, mentoring sessions, and life-skills training will continue as part of the two-year programme.
CEO Update - October Highlights
Throughout October, our CEO, Emma Shaw, has been actively representing Phoenix Education Centre NI across a range of important engagements. Emma continued to strengthen partnerships with key stakeholders, including Belfast City Council and the Lord Mayor, contributing to discussions around upcoming cultural celebrations and community initiatives.
This month also marked the beginning of development work on our new Bounce Back programme, which will be delivered in partnership with Mid Ulster Council to support young people across the region.
Our CEO further contributed to the wider sector by participating in research with Ulster University, sharing insights from our practice and helping shape future understanding of youth and educational support in Northern Ireland.
We were also delighted to welcome several visitors to the Centre, where Emma hosted tours and conversations showcasing the impactful work happening across our services.
Thank You & How to Stay Involved
A huge thank you to everyone involved, our learners, mentors, staff, volunteers, and partners like Queen’s University. Your commitment is what makes Phoenix Education Centre NI a place of transformation.
Feel free to get in contact if you’d like to:
Donate books to our Book Exchange
Donate pre-loved uniforms
Support our work via volunteering or donation via our website